Assessment of paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction using the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire

The Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (see Appendix) was developed as a brief clinical and research instrument to measure sexual function changes accompanying illness or the administration of medications. In a pilot study of patients with major depression being treated with paroxetine, the instrument was useful in delineating three groups of patients: patients who reported increased libido without sexual dysfunction, patients who developed anorgasmia with possible spontaneous resolution (medication side effect and development of tolerance), and patients with long-term sexual dysfunction unaffected by the medication. Change scores accurately differentiated global elements, changes associated with specific factors of sexual response, and drug-specific side effects. All patients had a therapeutic response to treatment with experiences of sexual functioning that could be categorized into one of the three groups.